The health benefits from the Olive tree extend way beyond Olive Oil, as the leaf itself also has major healing benefits. Olive Oil is thought to be the reason for the low incidences of cardiovascular disease and cholesterol problems of people with a Mediterranean diet.

Oleic acid, which is predominant in Olive Oil, plays a key role in keeping LDL cholesterol low (the bad stuff), and because of its polyphenols also helps reduce free radical formation and cellular damage. Olive leaf contains a similar compound called Oleuropein which significantly strengthens the immune system and is highly effective for all types of infection.

Clinical studies show that Oleuropein is highly effective against the bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi that cause infection. It can thus help prevent the onset of colds, flu, yeast, bacterial and viral infections.

• Hair & Skin:Improves adolescent and necrotic acne, psoriasis and eczema. Hydrates the skin and protects it from the effects of cold, heat, wind, etc.

A study by Dr. Henrik E. Poulsen, of Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark on men aged between 20 to 60 showed that those who consumed the equivalent of 1/4 cup of olive oil each day had an average 13 percent reduction in oxidative damage to cells DNA.

The findings, they say, suggest olive oil may be a major part of the reason that certain cancers, including breast, colon, ovarian and prostate cancers, are less common in Mediterranean countries than in Northern Europe.